The
Iowa Department of Human Rights Releases Statement on the Passing of Former
Iowa Governor Robert Ray
All of us at the Department of Human Rights are
deeply saddened by the passing of former Governor Robert Ray. The countless
lives he impacted are the living legacies and testament to his humanitarianism
and enduring moral fiber.
Words are not enough to thank and memorialize
Governor Ray who will forever be remembered for his compassion-in-action toward
persecuted and vulnerable peoples in the wake of the Vietnam War by actively
accepting Southeast Asian refugees from Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and the Tai Dam
people. Governor Ray also created a charity that enabled Iowans to help feed
many hungry, war-torn people living in overseas refugee camps.
The resettlement of Southeast Asians to Iowa
has had a profound impact on the entire Asian community in Iowa, creating a
critical mass of Asians to preserve their cultural identity as both Asians and
Americans. In addition to the trajectory of the lives of refugees, his actions
also changed the lives of the everyday Iowans mobilized by his compelling
vision and inspiring leadership to welcome entire refugee families into their
hearts and homes.
"Generations of Iowans, including those who
arrived as refugees in the 1970's from Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam and the Tai Dam,
won't soon forget Governor Robert Ray's humanity and courage during his time as
Iowa's governor. His example reflects the character of our great state -- one
that is welcoming and open to customs and even languages different than ones
that most in Iowa had not previously heard of or known."
– Ben Jung, Chair of the Iowa Commission of Asian & Pacific Islanders
In addition to his work on behalf of the Asian
community, Governor Ray’s lasting footprint is still felt today at the
Department where he signed into law the Iowa Commission & Office on the
Status of Women and the precursors to the Iowa Commission & Office of
Latino Affairs. Governor Ray was the first recipient of the Cristine
Wilson Medal for Equality & Justice awarded by the Iowa Commission on the
Status of Women.
"Governor Ray embodied the best of what we
hope for in Iowa’s public servants. As a champion of gender equality, he made a
lasting impact on the women and girls of our state. Governor Ray will be
missed, but his legacy lives on. We extend our deepest condolences to the Ray
family and thank them for sharing him with us."
– Elizabeth Coonan, Chair of the Iowa Commission on the Status of Women
"Governor Ray's leadership, courage, and
guidance was instrumental in the creation in 1974 of Iowa's Spanish Speaking
Commission, predecessor to the Iowa Office and Commission of Latino Affairs.
His many initiatives since leaving office in 1983 have made the State of Iowa a
much richer, diverse and welcoming community to live in. His enduring legacy
will continue to share future achievements within our community. He is a
testament on how one person can affect the lives of so many."
– Henry Vargas, Iowa Latino Hall of Fame Inductee and founding father of the
Iowa Commission of Latino Affairs
The Department extends its deepest condolences
to First Lady Billie Ray and their entire family and many friends.
San Wong, Director
Iowa Department of Human Rights
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